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Feb 7, 2023
MELANIE L. CAMPBELL, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND CONVENER OF THE BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE ISSUES STATEMENT AHEAD OF PRESIDENT BIDEN’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS:
Washington, D.C., (February 7, 2023) – Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR), issued the following statement ahead of today’s State of The Union Speech to be delivered by President Joe Biden.
“As we approach President Biden’s State of The Union Address, it is critical that we take a close look at the state of Black America. Despite being an integral part of the fabric of this country, Black Americans continue to face systemic barriers to equality and justice, including in the critical areas of policing, housing, reproductive justice, voting rights, economic opportunities, wealth creation, educational and health disparities.
“The recent murder of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police is a stark reminder of the urgency around racial justice and the need to use all the tools of the Federal government to curb police violence and pass The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The loss of Black lives to police brutality and the ongoing attacks on Black and other communities is unacceptable. We must demand that our elected leaders take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that all communities have equal protection under the law.
“We are calling on President Biden to prioritize police accountability and racial justice in his State of The Union Address. This includes a commitment to addressing the systemic failures within law enforcement and the criminal justice system that have allowed for the ongoing killing of Black people with impunity.
“In addition to police accountability, it is equally important that we address the ongoing attacks on reproductive justice and rights, which disproportionately affect Black women. We must ensure that all individuals have access to comprehensive reproductive health care, free from political interference and discrimination.
“We also call on President Biden to continue to take action to protect our democracy, including expanding voting rights and protecting against voter suppression efforts. These rights are the foundation of a free and just society, and we must do all that we can to ensure that they are protected and expanded.
“Finally, we must address the persistent economic, educational, and health disparities faced by Black Americans. This includes the creation of policies that address income inequality, the expansion of access to quality education, workers’ rights, paid family & medical leave and the development of programs to address the ongoing health crisis in Black communities, including maternal health disparities.
“While we are pleased that the administration has made progress in some of these areas, it is clear that more must be done. We must use this moment to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equality and justice for Black Americans and all people. The state of Black America requires our collective attention, action and investment, and we must act with urgency to address these pressing issues.”
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is one of the most active civil rights and social justice organizations in the nation “dedicated to increasing civic engagement, economic and voter empowerment in Black America.” The Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) is the women and girls empowerment arm of the NCBCP. At the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women, BWR promotes their health and wellness, economic security & prosperity, education and global empowerment as key elements for success. Black Youth Vote is the youth-led civic leadership, training and organizing arm of the NCBCP. For more information on the NCBCP’s Unity 2020 National Campaign go to unitycampaign.org.
